Preconstruction Strategy Director

Willmott Dixon; Weybridge; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Private medical

Life assurance

Bonus based on profitability

Company car / car allowance

Gym membership

Homeworking allowance

Job summary

Willmott Dixon is seeking a Preconstruction Director for the Construction South region, based in Weybridge with hybrid working. The role oversees bid governance, resource planning and commercial strategy to ensure profitable project outcomes and robust preconstruction programmes.

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, drive early risk identification and maintain strong relationships with customers and consultants, delivering sustainable margins across sectors.

Qualifications

• Experience leading pre-construction, bidding, estimating, or commercial functions within the construction industry.
• Strong network of customers, consultants and industry contacts.
• Collaborative leadership style focused on collective success.
• Experience across multiple sectors such as education, healthcare, defence, commercial, residential or infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Ensure every project leaves preconstruction with a clearly defined route to margin.
• Oversee pricing strategies, risk allowances, programme assumptions and commercial plans.
• Ensure bids align with business objectives and deliver sustainable profitability.
• Drive early identification and mitigation of commercial risks and delivery challenges.
• Monitor pre-construction milestones to prevent slippage and ensure programme progress.
• Plan and manage pre-construction resources to support current and future business needs.
• Maintain appropriate resource levels and capability for bidding volumes.
• Identify future capability needs and implement talent development strategies.
• Establish and maintain a robust governance framework for bids and opportunities.
• Provide independent challenge and oversight throughout the bid lifecycle.
• Present clear, evidence-based recommendations to support decisions.
• Use commercial insight and data to influence strategy and outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Willmott Dixon is seeking a Preconstruction Director for the Construction South region, based in Weybridge with hybrid working. The role oversees bid governance, resource planning and commercial strategy to ensure profitable project outcomes and robust preconstruction programmes.

The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, drive early risk identification and maintain strong relationships with customers and consultants, delivering sustainable margins across sectors.